• Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu announces an intensified military offensive in Gaza.
• Plans include adding tens of thousands of reserve soldiers and capturing territory.
• Humanitarian aid to Gaza remains blocked, exacerbating the crisis.
• Pressure on Hamas to release hostages is a key goal of the offensive.
• International concerns grow over potential violations of humanitarian law.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed plans for a significant escalation in military operations against Hamas in Gaza, describing the upcoming offensive as "intensive." The Israeli security cabinet has voted to deploy tens of thousands of additional reserve soldiers to capture and hold territory, with the aim of exerting pressure on Hamas to release hostages and ultimately destroy the group's infrastructure. “It’s time to launch the concluding moves,” Netanyahu stated, highlighting a shift towards a more aggressive military strategy following months of a stalemate in ceasefire negotiations, according to The New York Times and India Times.

Netanyahu's government plans on starting this military operation after U.S. President Trump's scheduled visit to the region. The operation aims to "permanently" change control over parts of Gaza, moving civilian populations for their safety as part of a tactic to minimize civilian casualties while targeting Hamas. However, significant questions remain regarding the humanitarian implications, as Israel has imposed a strict blockade preventing aid from reaching the besieged enclave, leading to dire shortages of essential supplies, according to BBC and The Jakarta Post.

With reports indicating that more than 52,000 Palestinians have died due to the conflict, the international community, including the United Nations, has expressed alarm over the humanitarian situation and accused Israel of violating international law through its blockade strategy. British and European officials have publicly decried the ongoing blockade that has left civilians at risk of famine, calling it "intolerable" while emphasizing the need for unfettered access to humanitarian aid. Critics argue that the current military strategy risks escalating violence, deepening humanitarian crises, and undermining the possibility of peaceful resolution, according to The New York Times, The Jakarta Post, and India Times.

Additionally, Netanyahu faces domestic opposition, with critics from various factions warning that an expanded assault could exacerbate the already precarious situation for hostages held by Hamas and worsen public discontent. High-profile Israeli ministers have fluctuated in their support for the operations, which some believe are motivated by political survival rather than a genuine strategy for peace or security. The upcoming military maneuvers are underscored by efforts to maintain political unity in a nation divided over the lengthy conflict, according to BBC and The Jakarta Post.